Son Suk-Ku And Kim Da-Mi Share Clues To Their ‘Nine Puzzles’ Characters

Interlocking puzzle pieces provide the clues that can identify a killer in the k-drama Nine Puzzles. At first none of the murders seem to be related, yet these mysterious puzzle segments appear around the time of each crime. Each puzzle piece features a surreal image, difficult to decipher. If detectives knew what the pieces meant and how they fit together, they might prevent another murder.

The puzzle pieces may be sending a message to profiler E-na, played by Kim Da-mi (Itaewon Class, Our Beloved Summer). E-na was once a murder suspect, questioned about killing her uncle, but ultimately she was cleared. She’s smart, quirky and confrontational. As a profiler she forms a duo with detective partner Han-saem, played by Son Suk-ku (A Killer Paradox, My Liberation Notes, Heavenly Ever After). Han-saem is a relentless detective. He’s a little obsessive and he’s initially wary of E-na. He doesn’t completely trust her but respects her profiling skills. Playing a profiler was fun for Kim since she’s a mystery fan.

“I enjoy both reading mysteries and watching mystery series,” said Kim. “There’s something fascinating about deducing and imagining how things might unfold. I think that’s what draws me to the mystery genre. When I read viewers’ reactions to Nine Puzzle, it was interesting to see how they came up with such a wide range of interpretations. Diverse interpretations are the charm of the mystery genre.”

If she were a detective, Kim is sure she would pursue the truth to the end.

“It would probably be quite challenging,” she said. “Since I may not be as brilliant as E-na, but I would still do my best to fulfill my responsibilities.”

Son was not a fan of the mystery genre before Nine Puzzles, but began to get the appeal of the consistently popular genre.

“While working on Nine Puzzles, I started to understand its unique charm,” he said. “What I find most appealing about this genre is that it doesn’t ask the audience to passively follow the story, rather it invites them to actively engage with it. The audience keeps questioning and looking for clues along the way and this makes them feel more like playing a game than just watching a show. I think that level of participation is what makes the mystery genre so captivating.”

It’s not the first time Son has donned a police badge for a role. He played a police detective before, trailing a killer of serial killers in A Killer Paradox.

“Aside from the fact that they share the same profession as detectives, the characters are actually very different,” he said. “Personally, I don’t find detective roles particularly attractive. It’s really just a coincidence that I ended up playing one again.”

One reason he took the Nine Puzzles role is his admiration for the drama’s director, Yoon Jong-bin, who previously directed the films Kundo: The Age of Rampant and The Spy Gone North.

“I’ve always admired his high-quality work, the bold but realistic storytelling and the strong visual style,” said Son. “Especially, while working together, I was moved by his honesty and sincerity which made me respect him even more.”

E-na and Han-saem grow closer as the puzzle is pieced together. E-na takes the initiative in winning Han-saem’s trust, inserting herself into his investigation and even showing up in his kitchen. Han-saem can’t deny the evidence she finds.

“I felt that the suspicion surrounding E-na naturally began to lose its weight as Han-saem started to investigate Lee Mi-young and Kang Chi-mok cases,” said Son.

The working relationship between E-na and Han-saem is difficult to define.

“I think words like ‘peculiar’ or ‘unusual’ best describe it” said Kim. “Working together with a suspect you’ve been doubting for ten years wouldn’t be easy. But human relationships are never entirely predictable. Likewise, E-na and Han-saem go through a wide range of emotions throughout the investigation. At first, it seems like their distinct personalities would clash, but somehow, they end up complementing each other. I believe it’s those ‘peculiar’ or ‘unusual’ moments that make E-na and Han-saem’s relationship so compelling.”

They are both complicated characters. E-na seems to have a lot of confidence despite the trauma of her difficult life. It’s largely show.

“E-na may appear strong on the outside, but deep down, she is a vulnerable and delicate person,” said Kim. “She pretended to be strong to hide that inner fragility. However, her determination to catch the culprit is unshakable and so it makes her seem so confident.”

While others dismiss her insight, Han-saem appreciates it. Despite her quirky behavior he recognizes her passion for solving the case

“Han-saem is, at his core, someone who carries a warm heart toward victims and he has a real passion for detective novels and films,” said Son. “I think that side of him plays a big role in what motivates him.”

The actors did not have to wait to unravel the mystery. Their characters may have wondered who the culprit was but Son and Kim knew before the first puzzle piece was found in the drama.

“We filmed after reading the full script, so we knew the identity of the culprit from the beginning,” said Kim.

Viewers will have to watch the series to test their own detective skills. Nine Puzzles airs on Disney/Hulu. The screenplay was written by Lee Eun-mi, who wrote Navillera and Tunnel.